Week 9 of the 2025 fantasy baseball season is here, and fantasy managers are scouring the waiver wire for upgrades. This week, left-handed starting pitchers from the NL Central are grabbing a lot of attention in ESPN standard leagues.
These pitchers have delivered steady performances lately. They’re looking like real difference-makers for upcoming matchups.
Top Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 9
Several lefty starters from the NL Central have impressed fantasy managers. Their recent outings show they’re not just short-term solutions—they bring reliability and upside to any roster.
Andrew Abbott, SP, Cincinnati Reds
Andrew Abbott is available in 58.6% of ESPN leagues and has quietly become a bright spot for the Reds. He just threw five shutout innings against the Guardians, picking up his third win of the year.
Abbott’s strikeout rate and command haven’t always been steady, but he’s only allowed more than one earned run once in seven starts. He’s got a big test coming up against the Cubs, but given his current form, he’s worth a look.
Matthew Boyd, SP, Chicago Cubs
Matthew Boyd, still out there in 61.2% of leagues, keeps delivering for the Cubs. Boyd just earned his fourth win in six tries after beating the White Sox.
With a 2.98 ERA and steady run support, Boyd’s chasing double-digit wins for the first time. He’s facing the Reds and Rockies at home next, which could be a nice boost for fantasy squads.
Matthew Liberatore, RP/SP, St. Louis Cardinals
Matthew Liberatore, rostered in just 52.0% of leagues, is settling into his rotation spot for the Cardinals. He recently held the Royals to one run over six innings, dropping his ERA to 2.92.
He’s posting career-best strikeout and ground ball rates. With matchups against the Diamondbacks and Rangers ahead, Liberatore looks like a strong play for fantasy managers who need pitching help.
Other Notable Pitchers
The NL Central is getting a lot of buzz, but there are some other arms worth a glance. A few of these guys could quietly boost your rotation or bullpen.
Clayton Kershaw, SP, Los Angeles Dodgers
Clayton Kershaw is still available in 65.3% of leagues, which feels wild. He just made his 2025 debut for the Dodgers against the Angels—okay, it wasn’t vintage Kershaw, but the man’s career ERA is 2.51.
Once he gets back to full health, it’s hard not to expect a rebound. If you’ve got room, stash him and see what happens.
Jordan Romano, RP, Philadelphia Phillies
Jordan Romano, sitting on waivers in 86.9% of leagues, has stepped in as the Phillies’ closer while Jose Alvarado serves his suspension. Romano just struck out three Pirates on 11 pitches—pretty electric stuff.
His ERA and strikeout numbers are trending up. For anyone desperate for saves, Romano’s a solid add right now.
Emerging Hitters to Watch
Pitchers aren’t the only ones making noise. A few hitters are starting to break out and could help fill holes in your fantasy lineup.
Andy Pages, OF, Los Angeles Dodgers
Andy Pages is available in 65.3% of leagues and has been heating up for the Dodgers. He’s got nine homers and five steals, making him a sneaky-good roto option.
Sure, Pages swings a bit too freely and doesn’t walk much, but his recent production and bigger role in the lineup are hard to ignore.
Ben Brown, SP/RP, Chicago Cubs
Ben Brown is still out there in 89.4% of leagues. Over his last two games for the Cubs, he’s fanned 15 batters while walking just two.
His overall ERA and WHIP aren’t pretty, but that strikeout upside is tempting. With the Marlins and Reds on deck, Brown is worth a speculative add.
Logan Henderson, SP, Milwaukee Brewers
Logan Henderson, available in 91.8% of leagues, is making the most of his chances for the Brewers. In just 11 innings, he’s piled up 16 strikeouts against two walks.
He’s lined up to face the struggling Orioles next. If you’re hunting for a high-upside arm, Henderson’s name should be on your radar.
Chris Paddack, SP, Minnesota Twins
Chris Paddack sits out there in 94.6% of leagues, which feels wild considering how he’s turned things around lately. After stumbling out of the gate, he’s started to find his groove again, and you can see it in his improving ERA.
He looks more like the guy we got excited about during his rookie year. With matchups coming up against the Guardians, Rays, and Mariners, you might want to give him a shot on your fantasy team.
If you’re craving more in-depth takes or just want to keep tabs on the latest fantasy baseball chatter, check out ESPN Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Picks.
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